Biology

Fearow is a large, mostly brown avian Pokémon with a vulturine neck and broad, powerful wings. It has a long, pointed, pink beak, and a decorative red coxcomb on top of its head. Its narrow eyes have very small pupils, and do not appear to have colored irises. It has shaggy, feathers on the base of its neck and covering the upper portion of its wings. These feathers are cream-colored, as are the tips of its flight feathers. Its sharp-clawed talons are pink, with three toes pointing forward and one pointing backward.

Fearow's large wings and stamina allow it to fly for an entire day without landing. It will shoot upward, and then dive down to catch prey. Its long neck and beak allow it to pluck prey from both land and water, and it will even catch tiny insects that hide underground. Fearow are found in wastelands and desolate fields.

Minor appearances

In Mewtwo Strikes Back, an unknown Trainer tried to ride a Fearow to Mewtwo's Island. This Trainer never turns up on the island, unlike the others who set out. Mewtwo also uses one to scout for powerful Trainers.

Ash captured Fearow in the first chapter, Pikachu, I See You!. It was his first capture (besides Pikachu, who was not technically captured in a Poké Ball in the manga). Ash sometimes has trouble getting Fearow to obey him.

Trivia

The English names of the Spearow family and Beedrill are almost reversed from the Japanese in that Beedrill is named Spear and Fearow, Spearow's evolution, is called Onidrill.

Origin

Fearow doesn't seem to be directly based on any particular bird species, instead taking inspiration from many soaring, predatory birds. It has traits similar to raptors such as hawks and vultures, as well as similarities with storks. Its physical appearance may be vaguely based on a cormorant or an anhinga, despite the fact that they are water birds. It also shares characteristics with chickens and snipe, most notably its comb and long beak, respectively. Its coloration and size also resembles the Goliath Heron, whose feathers when ruffled look superficially like a cockscomb.

Name origin

Fearow is a combination of fear and sparrow or arrow. It may also derive from feather.

Onidrill is a combination of 鬼 oni (demon) and drill, although it is worth noting that the first four syllables can be taken to mean 鬼鳥 onidori (demon bird).